Alleged mastermind in VAT scam charged with cocaine, weapons possession

Nigel John Abela, 38 of Dingli is facing new criminal charges before the Courts, as he awaits judgment over allegedly masterminding the VAT Department bribe scam, through which, he alone pocketed €186,350.

Abela, who pleaded not guilty to the new charges, was arrested and further investigated following his interrogations connected to the VAT Department fraud.

Police Inspector Keith Arnaud charged Abela for cocaine possession, and for having a stolen pump action long rifle. He was also charged with receiving and handling stolen goods.

Abela was among 32 people arraigned in connection to the scam, many of which have been already convicted and interdicted.

He used to work in the VAT Department's Customer Care Division. Clients used to complain about their pending bills and fines, and he used to contact them after hours and ask for money in return for reducing their bills.

Abela had told police that he was assisted in his scam by Alfred Mallia and Salvu Micallef, who did not work in the VAT Department.

Their clients used to pay between €100 and €5,000 in bribes, Abela had told the police but, Inspector Angelo Gafa said investigations showed that there were people who paid a lot more.

The inspector said that Abela had also told the police that also involved in the scam were Emanuel Hili from the VAT Inspectorate Department and Charles Deguara and Charles Caruana, also VAT Department employees.

 Abela had admitted that substantial funds deposited in his bank account came from the scam.

He had said that his cocaine addiction cost him €300 daily, but he refused to reveal his drug suppliers.

Ruth Gatt, his partner and a VAT employee, had opened a bank account where money owed to  Abela would be deposited and then she would then issue cheques to Mr Abela, the inspector said. Mr Abela had admitted his procedure, saying he had set it up in order to hide matters from his wife in view of a separation process.